The President of Tynwald, the Hon Steve Rodan MLC, has paid tribute to Derek Brown and his wife Joy who were tragically killed in a road accident in Laxey on Monday 24th July 2017 along with two other people. A resident of Laxey, Mr Brown was appointed as a Messenger of Tynwald Court and the House of Keys in December 1996. By the time of his retirement in October 2010 he had become Head Messenger and had proudly carried the red box containing Petitions for Redress along the Processional Way during the Tynwald Ceremony. His wife, Joy, served as a Messenger on an occasional basis between 2004 and 2010.

Mr President said:

“I know I speak for all Members of Tynwald when I say how shocked and saddened I was to hear of the deaths of Derek and Joy Brown. The good and faithful service of Derek and Joy was greatly appreciated, and will long be remembered, by those who served as Members of Tynwald between 1996 and 2010. Our prayers and condolences are with the families of all who were involved in this tragic accident.”

Photo - Derek and Joy Brown are thanked on the occasion of Derek’s retirement by then President of Tynwald, the Hon Noel Cringle OBE, and then Speaker of the House of Keys, the Hon Steve Rodan SHK.  Photo courtesy of Paul Dougherty, Tynwald Seneschal.